Earth Day – Alumni Weekend 2007
by Milja Brecher-DeMuro

This year’s Earth Day – Alumni Weekend couldn’t have been more perfect.  The week leading up to the event threatened rain and cold temperatures, but somehow, miraculously, April 21 was 75 degrees and sunny.  The main tent was filled with booths boasting eco-friendly products, businesses, organizations and information.  From live music by local talent and alumni to book sales, food booths, alumni art and photography, an alumni film festival and the keynote address by COA grad, Cathy Johnson '74, there was no lack of activities.  Children spent hours in the kids' area making musical instruments and costumes from recycled cardboard, milk containers and egg cartons.  Face painting, Eddie Monat’s (1988) touch tank, fresh organic lettuce wraps from Beech Hill Farm, Doula Services information by Sarah Keeley (2005) and a presentation on midwifery by Anna Durand (1986), Socially Responsible Investment Planning by Fielder Mattox (2002), and Waldorf Education by Stuart Dickey Summer (1982) were just a few of the other activities that left no participant bored. 

Over 200 alumni attend the weekend festivities beginning with a potluck, live music, bonfire event at Davis Center, followed by Saturday’s Earth Day festival. On Sunday over 40 alumni enjoyed a brunch in their honor at Take-a-break.  Seventeen alumni submitted work for the beautiful and inspiring alumni art and photography exhibit.  Six alumni shared their incredible films and documentaries at the alumni film festival and 8 alumni bands jammed their hearts out during the Earth Day festival and at the COA-PaLooZa at night.  The quality, caliber, talent and energy that all of these individuals brought to their work was incredible.  All events had such a seamless flow even though there were no “requirements” for content – Yet another confirmation of human ecology in action.

It was an incredible event, and post-event evaluations reflect that all of you who were there felt the same way!  Next year’s event is scheduled for April 18-20^th, 2008.  If you are interested in participating in the alumni art and photography exhibit, alumni film festival or perform at the COA-PaLooZa, I would be more than happy to add you to the list.  Contact milja@coa.edu.

Alumni Earth Day Participants:

Presenters

Sarah Keeley '05

Anna Durand '86

Fielder Mattox '02

Stuart Dickey Summer '82

Artists and Photographers